NMSU Clovis Science Center field day set for Aug. 9

The annual field day for New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Clovis Aug. 9 will highlight both crop research and dairy production relating to eastern New Mexico.

“This year’s program covers the whole spectrum of agricultural production on the eastern side of the state – from row crops commonly grown in the region (wheat, sorghum, corn and peanuts) to the hundreds of thousands of dairy cows that are milked each year,” said Mark Marsalis, Extension agronomist at the center and coordinator of the field day.

The free program starts at 9 a.m. with registration at the science center, 13 miles north of Clovis on State Road 288.

A new format this year will include both morning and afternoon programs. In the morning, participants will take a rolling tour of crops research. Highlights will include irrigation efficiency and alternative crops and systems that may potentially reduce water consumption. The afternoon dairy program will focus on New Mexico dairy production and opportunities in this ever-expanding industry.

Sangu Angadi, NMSU crop stress physiologist, will present alternative approaches to the traditional cropping systems of the region. Rick Lopez, state executive director, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Farm Service Agency, will talk about current Farm Service Agency programs. Marsalis will present research on water conservation in silage production systems. Naveen Puppala, NMSU peanut breeder, will discuss recent peanut research results related to yield and disease resistance. Irrigation efficiency for water conservation will be discussed by Craig Runyan, NMSU water quality coordinator, and Calvin Trostle, Extension agronomist, Texas A&M University, will give an update on High Plains grain sorghum and wheat status.

NMSU President Michael Martin and Vice Provost for Outreach Paul Gutierrez, associate dean and associate director of the Cooperative Extension Service, will address attendees during the barbecue lunch, which is sponsored by area businesses. Martin will present “NMSU’s Commitment to Be an Engaged University for Every New Mexican.”

“The afternoon program, which begins at 1:30 p.m., is geared toward the dairy industry, and we would like to make our center – ‘where dairies and dairy science meet’ – the hub of New Mexico’s dairy program,” said Robert Hagevoort, Extension dairy specialist at Clovis, who will discuss collaborative opportunities for dairy and beef cattle producers. “We have invited a spokesperson from Dairy Farmers of America to give an update on the dairy market and milk pricing, which, given the current economics in the dairy industry, should draw quite a crowd from the local dairy community.” Gutierrez will speak on the “Vision for NMSU’s Dairy Program,” and Victor Cabrera, Extension dairy specialist, will provide an update on New Mexico’s dairy industry.

For more than half a century, research at the Agricultural Science Center at Clovis has helped agricultural producers in eastern New Mexico increase profitability. The 164-acre center lies in the heart of the largest crop production area in New Mexico and is centrally located in the state’s busiest dairy production region.

“We are excited about having the opportunity to showcase our research and Extension activities, especially now that new staff members have come aboard to collaborate on research projects and improve our outreach efforts,” said Marsalis.

For more information about the field day, or if you are an individual with a disability who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service to participate, contact Marsalis in advance at (505) 985-2292 or e-mail marsalis@nmsu.edu.